MOTORCYCLIST RISK TAKING BEHAVIOR

Previous studies shown that riders tent to exceed their speed for sensational seeking and time saving purposes. Age, gender, and riding skill were the contributory factors. However, the characteristic of vehicle composition and socio-economic activities in low and middle-income countries are unique andmight contribute various riding behavior. The objective of this study is to understand the reasons of motorcyclist risk taking behavior. Accordingly, an in-depth interview was conducted toward 141 respondents. The substance of interview materials was related to riding, vehicle, traffic as well as road and road environment characteristics. It was found that 1) Risk taking behavior is influenced by braking capability, rider’s perceptions and experience 2) Riding frequency, hazard detection capability and familiarity against traffic, vehicle, road and road environment condition as well as braking capability were the main contributory factor of riding skill that could be used to describe the occurrence of accident and/or risky behavior 3) Having an experience in riding does not guaranty that someone would avoid accident, because high riding frequency is difference with high riding skill, particularly in braking capability term. 4) Since not every speeding was end up with accident occurrence, it triggers negative perception toward accident probability and/or consequence and even triggers positive perception of social-economic advantage of speeding such as time saving and/or enjoying the sensation. Risk taking behavior occurred when the consequences were acceptable.